The picture shows a close view of both sides of this 1841 United States Hard Times Token. In times when metals for coinage was scarce many private companies had minted their own. I don't know who made this one but it has survived well over the past 159 years! The coin seems to be making a comparison on the two sides. On one side the date is 1837 and it pictures a ship wreck. I can't quite make out the name on the ship (_ _ _ _ _ ment). This side reads:

VAN BUREN METALLIC CURRENCY 1837

The other side shows the U.S.S. Constitution with full sails and it reads:

WEBSTER CREDIT CURRENCY 1841

It is obvious which idea won out way back then! With the world living in debt on credit and credit cards. This coin is made of copper and most likely was used as a one cent currency. It measures 1-1/8" across and is in excellent condition as pictured.